As part of the continuing internationalization efforts of the university through its collaboration between Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) and Universitas Borneo Tarakan (UBT), two student interns under the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) SEA-Teacher Program paid a courtesy visit to CBSUA President Dr. Alberto N. Naperi to share their academic learning and international internship experiences in Indonesia.
The student interns, Cyril B. Diaz, a fourth-year Bachelor of Elementary Education student, and Marienne Sophia C. Cabal, a fourth-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science student, both from the College of Development Education (CDE), completed their international teaching internship at UBT from March 29 to April 25, 2026.
During the courtesy visit, the interns were accompanied by university officials, including Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Melinda Parro-Pan; Vice President for Business and External Affairs, Dr. Cherry Love Montales; University International Relations Officer, Dr. Raquel M. Reapor; Dean of CDE, Assoc. Prof. Karen B. Perez; Bachelor of Elementary Education Program, Chairperson, Diana Jane B. Almonte; and Bachelor of Secondary Education Program Chairperson, Joseph D. Modilla.
The students shared insights from their academic immersion and teaching experiences in Indonesia. As part of their internship, Ms. Diaz was assigned to Sekolah Dasar Negeri 013, while Ms. Cabal was assigned to Sekolah Menengah Pertama Negeri 2. In their respective schools, they conducted classroom observations and demonstration teaching activities under the supervision of cooperating teachers and university lecturers. Their teaching performance was formally evaluated as part of the program requirements.
They also highlighted the opportunity to engage with the administrators, lecturers, and students of UBT, which allowed them to gain broader perspectives on the Indonesian educational system and teaching practices. Beyond the classroom experience, the SEA-Teacher interns also participated in cultural and educational immersion activities organized by the host university. These activities exposed them to the historical, cultural, and environmental heritage of Tarakan.
The interns likewise shared that, during the closing program of the internship, they received a plaque of collaboration from Dr. Arifin, Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education of UBT. The event was attended by university lecturers and students, where the interns also delivered reflections and testimonials regarding their experiences throughout the program.
The visit underscored the importance of the partnership between CBSUA and UBT in strengthening international academic collaboration and promoting cross-cultural learning opportunities for students through the SEAMEO SEA-Teacher Program. In their reflection, the interns expressed gratitude to CBSUA for its continued support and for providing them the opportunity to participate in the international exchange program. They shared that the experience significantly enhanced their teaching competence, instructional strategies, classroom management skills, and understanding of diverse learners. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘖𝘝𝘗𝘉𝘌𝘈-𝘜𝘐𝘙𝘖
